Kate Wawatai is a pioneering deep-sea submersible pilot, maritime professional, and cultural ambassador from Aotearoa New Zealand. A member of The Explorers Club and the only woman to pilot a submersible beyond 10,000 meters, she operates at the edge of human exploration, helping scientists uncover the mysteries of the deep ocean. She challenges industry norms, champions environmental stewardship, advances training standards, and inspires future generations to explore and protect our natural world. From Kawerau, New Zealand, proudly rooted in her Ngāti Porou heritage, her Māori culture instilled a profound respect for nature. After serving as an Infantry Commander, earning a Bachelor of Science, and specializing in closed-circuit deep diving, she transitioned into the submersible industry, piloting the Triton 36000/2, the only submersible capable of repeated dives to full ocean depth.
